How many Americans are on Medicare Advantage plans?

Asked by: Ignatius Zulauf  |  Last update: January 8, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

More than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2024. In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries – 32.8 million people out of 61.2 million Medicare beneficiaries with both Medicare Parts A and B – are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.

How many patients are enrolled in Medicare Advantage?

(Medicare Advantage enrollment in 2024 now totals 33 million, or 54% of all eligible beneficiaries.)

What percentage of Americans are insured by Medicare?

Meanwhile, 19 percent of the population was enrolled in Medicare in 2023, up 0.2 percentage points from 2022 and a full percentage point from 2018.

What percentage of people are on Medicare in the US?

The current tax rate for Social Security is 6.2% for the employer and 6.2% for the employee, or 12.4% total. The current rate for Medicare is 1.45% for the employer and 1.45% for the employee, or 2.9% total.

Are more people on Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Meanwhile, the number of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans has grown rapidly, doubling since 2010 and accounting for more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries by 2023.

NEW: 2025 Medicare Cost Increases CONFIRMED - New Cost Breakdown 💵

45 related questions found

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that you have fewer doctors to choose from when you get medical care.
  • Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
  • With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.

What percentage of Americans have Medicare Advantage plans?

More than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2024. The share of Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans varies across states, ranging from 2% to 63%.

How many people are on Obamacare?

Of the 49.4 million people ever covered through the ACA Marketplace, 47.6 million were alive and living in the U.S. as of 2023, compared to a U.S. Census Bureau es mate of 334 million U.S. residents.

What percentage of seniors are on Medicare Advantage plans?

Brookdale Department researchers Claire Ankuda, MD, MPH, and Melissa Aldridge, PhD, MBA, and colleagues are calling for a closer examination of Medicare Advantage plans—a need that is becoming more urgent as these plans now cover nearly 50 percent of Medicare beneficiaries.

How many Americans live without health insurance?

An estimated 26 million Americans, or 8 percent of the U.S. population, lacked health insurance in 2023.

What is the biggest problem with Medicare?

The biggest challenges reported by those in Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: Out-of-pocket medical costs and health services they needed but weren't covered. “The gaps in Medicare coverage can really be notable,” says Jacobson.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

What is the two midnight rule for Medicare Advantage?

The two-midnight presumption directs medical reviewers to select Original Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A claims for review under a presumption that hospital stays that span two midnights after an inpatient admission are reasonable and necessary Part A payment.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Why are people dropping Medicare Advantage plans?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

Do all hospitals accept Medicare Advantage plans?

While most hospitals do accept Original Medicare, there may be some that do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. However, if you have a medical emergency while you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can seek care at any ER or hospital in the country.

Are most people happy with Medicare Advantage?

According to a new survey released today from the Commonwealth Fund, 96% of Medicare Advantage (MA) members and 93% of enrollees in traditional Medicare said that their Medicare coverage met their expectations, including 65% of each group who said their coverage fully met their expectations.

Is original Medicare better than an advantage plan?

More coverage can offer more peace of mind, so you don't get surprise medical bills in the event of a sudden injury or illness. Medicare Advantage plans can also offer more benefits than Original Medicare.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.